5 Things Every Ghanaian Must Know Before Seeking Greener Pastures Abroad

1. Legal Pathways Matter – Don't Compromise

"Kwame was a gifted welder in Kumasi. A local agent promised him a 'quick visa' to Italy. He sold his car, paid thousands of cedis, and boarded a dangerous route through North Africa. He never made it to Europe. His family still grieves his disappearance."

One of the biggest mistakes Ghanaians make when trying to migrate is using illegal or questionable routes. While the dream of a better life is valid, how you pursue it matters. Entering a country illegally or under false pretenses often leads to exploitation, detention, or deportation.

What you should know:

• Study and work visas are the most stable and realistic long-term routes.

• Avoid tourist or visit visas if your real intention is to work or stay permanently.

• If you want to move abroad, start early with the right documentation: passport, education records, job skills, and clear goals.

• Always verify agents and consult official embassy or immigration websites.

Legal doesn't mean easy, but it's safe and sustainable.

2. Have a Skill or Qualification That’s in Demand

"Abena, a nurse in Tamale, took the time to pass the NCLEX exam required for nurses in the US. Today, she works legally in New York and sends remittances home. Meanwhile, her cousin, a university graduate with no specific job skill, is still looking for odd jobs in Italy."

Migration policies in Europe and the US increasingly favor skilled workers. These countries want people who fill specific gaps in their labor markets: nurses, IT professionals, engineers, teachers, and skilled trades like plumbing, carpentry, and electricians.

What you should know:

• Invest in practical skills, not just degrees.

• Certifications like IELTS (for English proficiency), NCLEX (for nurses), or coding boot camps can set you apart.

• Vocational training (TVET) is often more in demand than general university degrees.

• Remote work experience in your field (e.g., freelancing in tech) can help you stand out.

Ask yourself: If I land in Canada tomorrow, what can I offer that they actually need?

3. Understand the True Cost of Migration

"Yaw, an accountant in Accra, moved to Germany to study. Tuition, rent, health insurance, and food costs overwhelmed him. He had to work night shifts and nearly dropped out. He later admitted he should have saved more and planned better."

Migration is not a free ride. Many underestimate how much it takes to survive and thrive abroad, especially during the first year.

What you should know:

• Application fees, visa processing, language exams, and document authentication cost money.

• Rent abroad is far more expensive than in Ghana. In most cities, a modest apartment can cost $800-$1500/month.

• You may need to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account (proof of funds) before even getting a visa.

• Emergency funds are crucial—unexpected bills are common.

Don't go abroad broke. Go prepared.

4. Research the Country, Laws, and Culture You’re Entering

"Naana, a university graduate, moved to France assuming she could find a teaching job easily. She didn't speak French and misunderstood the visa requirements. She ended up overstaying her visa and became undocumented."

Every country has its own unique system of immigration, work rights, healthcare, housing, and social expectations. What applies in the UK may not work in Norway or the US.

What you should know:

• Read about the visa type you're applying for and its restrictions (e.g., whether you can work, how long you can stay).

• Research cultural norms, laws, and basic language skills.

• Understand what rights you'll have as a foreigner (e.g., access to healthcare or legal aid).

• Know the difference between asylum, work visa, student visa, and green card. Each comes with distinct responsibilities and limitations.

Respect the system of the country you're entering. Knowledge is protection.

5. Have a Long-Term Plan (Including a Return Plan)

"Kojo moved to the UK on a student visa. He completed his master’s degree but didn’t plan his next steps. His visa expired, and he became undocumented. Now, he can’t return home for funerals or visit his family because he fears he won’t be allowed back."

Migration should never be a vague leap into the unknown. It needs to be a strategic decision, grounded in goals and backed by timelines.

What you should know:

• Why are you going abroad? For study, for work, or for resettlement?

• What's your 3-year plan? 5-year plan? If things don't go as expected, are you ready to return?

• Stay connected to Ghana: invest in a small business, buy land, or maintain professional ties.

• Don't burn bridges. Return home occasionally. You never know where life will take you.

Not every migration ends in permanent stay. Prepare wisely for every outcome.

Stateside Thought Corner

Migrating abroad is not an automatic ticket to wealth. It is a personal, financial, and emotional investment that requires careful planning. If you approach it wisely, with skills, knowledge, and a clear plan, it can be one of the best decisions you make. But if you treat it as a gamble, the costs can be irreversible.

Travel smart. Think long-term. And let your journey be a well-prepared step, not a desperate leap.